Captain Ed is a father and grandfather living in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, a native Californian who moved to the North Star State because of the weather. He lives with his wife Marcia, also known as the First Mate, their two dogs, and frequently watch their granddaughter Kayla, whom Captain Ed calls The Little Admiral... [read more]

In a move that has to worry Democratic Party leadership, the Reform Party officially endorsed Ralph Nader for President today, allowing him access to ballots in seven states:

Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader has been endorsed by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in seven states, including Florida and Michigan, party leaders announced Wednesday. Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said Nader welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the ballot lines in each state.

The Democrats need to win both Florida and Michigan if they are to win the White House in 2004. Michigan went to the Democrats in 2000 by 4 points, about the same lead Kerry has in a two-way race right now. Florida, of course, went to Bush -- eventually -- by the slimmest of margins in 2000, and many Democrats blame that slim margin on Nader's run. Bush is ahead in a three-way race right now in Florida.

The Reform Party also has access for the presidential election in five other states: Colorado, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana and South Carolina, all presumed "red" states at this point. However, if Nader does choose to take advantage of the Reform Party's offer, it allows Nader to focus his ballot efforts on the other states, giving him a bit of a boost towards nationwide access.

Nader's run may not be as improbable as some think, and his candidacy may force Kerry to stop his move towards the center in order to defend against Nader's campaign.